By A quiet hill station barely 2 hours away from the capital of Himachal, Shimla, Chail is a picture-perfect mountain short getaway placed in the lap of nature. Popularly known as the summer capital of the flashy imperial families of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views and certainly is a hiker’s paradise. With its stunning panoramic views and calmness around, Chail is bound to give a memorable travelling experience if you are looking to get away from the other cramped places in the state.
Chail is a beautiful hill station located 63 km from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and makes a perfect Day trip destination. Despite being located close to Shimla; this hill station is free from the crowds that throng Shimla and consequently allows travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of the place in relative peace.
With dense cover of pine and Deodar trees, Chail is a natural beauty and its lush green meadows, stunning mountain views makes it a must visit place. We visited Chail for a day trip in last April, and loved every corner of it. Overlooking both, Kasauli and Shimla, Chail enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year and is idyllic for those looking for a foggy and hazy hill station. Not only offering scenic beauty, Chail has a lot stored for adventure lovers. Go trekking from Chail to Shimla and do snow trails camps, you will love every bit of it.
Take a day trip from Shimla and enjoy the serene landscapes that Chail offers. Here’s why we suggest you spend a day in Chail?
== Take a Leisure Walk around at the highest cricket ground in the world ==
Chail is a home to the world’s highest cricket ground. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, an avid cricket lover, custom-built this cricket ground which is surrounded by pine and gigantic deodar trees and standing at an elevation of 2250 m above sea level. It rests 7500 feet above sea level and is known as one of the famous cricket stadiums in India. The ground is maintained by Army officials as it is a part of the cantonment region.
Tourists can enjoy a walk around and click pictures, but they are not permitted to enter the ground. These days, the cricket ground is being used as the school playground by Chail Military School. The ground also includes a well-maintained basketball court. Occasionally, even football is played on the ground as there are goal posts present. Visitors can relish a splendid view of Sutlej Valley, Shimla and Kasauli at night from here. On the other side of the ground, you’ll find the massive Himalayan ranges fabulously dazzling in the sun and snow-clad everything thereunder.
Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Recommended Hours to visit : Min. 1 hour.
== Visit the Royal Palace hotel ==
With tennis and badminton courts, an orchard, elegant lawns, quaint log cottages and children’s park, the palace offers a spectacular view of Shimla and is a perfect place for a vacation. Chail palace, which is set in approximately 75 acres of land, was built in 1891, The palace is also known as Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (Maharaja of Patiala) palace and it is where he was shifted to after his dismissal from Shimla. Indulge in antique charm at this stunning destination set amidst abundant greenery and panoramic views of beautiful landscapes surrounding it along with a serene atmosphere.
This palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel which will make your stay experience Royal and Luxurious. Each guest room has antique furniture, retro interior, wall-to-wall carpeting and an amiable fireplace to keep you warm. Don’t be tricked by the ancient antiquities of the palace as this hotel is equipped with every modern facility that can come to your mind accommodating to all your notions and fancies.
Pro Tip: Entry fee for visitors is INR 100 per person
Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Recommended Hours to visit: Min. 1 hour
== Admire scenic views from Kali Ka Tibba Temple ==
Through the thick forest of pine and deodar, located at the top most hill of Chail resides this renowned tourist place of Himachal, Kali ka Tibba in Chail is a small yet attractive temple in the peaceful vicinity amidst hills with Kali as the main deity in the temple. This temple offers a spectacular view of Shivalik Ranges and Choor Chandni peaks.
Also, the temple is well known for its beautiful sunset views. Top contender for all the photographers in Chail, this temple attracts many tourists and pilgrims from all over the country. If you love trekking, this is the best trek route to the temple and you can spot rare species of animals on your way. This is one of the beautiful temples in Himachal and truly the aura is so divine that you won’t feel like coming back.
Best Time to Visit: Morning and Evening
Recommended Hours to visit: 1 hour
== Get Adventurous at Chail Wildlife Sanctuary ==
Chail Sanctuary is one of the offbeat wildlife sanctuaries in India but has rich collection of flora and fauna. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 63 km from Shimla and on the outskirts of Chail that overlooks the Sutlej Valley. Some of the most popular animal species of the park include European red deer, wild boar, goral, spotted deer, sambar, common langur, Himalayan black bear, flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, etc.
This sanctuary is paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. You will certainly enjoy Golden Eagle and grey-headed flycatcher flying in the sky here. You’ll also get the opportunity to watch a wide range of flora in and around the sanctuary. There are many pine and oak trees standing upright in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and the sprawling lush green grassland enhances the beauty of the place.
Best time to visit: Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
Recommended Hours to visit: 2 hours.
== Worship at Sidh Baba ka Mandir (Temple) ==
Another one of famous Chail tourist attractions, located at height of 8000 ft. from downtown of Chail is Siddh Baba Ka Mandir, dedicated to Saint Siddh Baba. It is said that, this temple is the protector of success of Chail.
As the tale goes, he appeared in the dream of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and told him that this spot is where he meditated. The dream led the king to order construction of the temple. This temple is a place of holy soul and every traveler visits this temple to seek blessings of sidh baba.
Best Time to Visit: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Recommended Hours to visit: Min. 1 hour
== Explore Horse Safari ==
Horse safari or Horseback rides or is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the surroundings of Chail. In the ancient days, the Maharajas used the horses for hunting, and it is still seen as a symbol of asset. The horseback tours provide a more authentic feel to the experience of sightseeing.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to ride horses, the professional horse rider guides will explain the basics and teach you to control your horse before starting the tour. You will be taken through the villages located at the bottom of the Himachal range and along the many small and large lakes along the beautiful hill station of Chail. Throughout the tour, the guides will make sure that you are safe. You must try this exciting activity in Chail.
== Dining at Lake Restaurant – Sadhupul Lake =
Meals at Lake restaurant sounds cool? It does certainly! Sadhupul Lake lies between Solan and Chail. The bridge constructed at the conjunction named as the Sadhupul Bridge. It is one of the beautiful place where you can sit and fall in love with nature.
Dip your feet in the river and enjoy your yummy meals at the small lake restaurant over this lake. Locals here have innovatively created a small eating joint on the river bed with small tables and chairs. So, enjoy the breezy weather and lush green surroundings with the perfect snacks on your trip.
Best time to visit: Morning and Evening.
Recommended hours to visit: 1 hour
Chail is one of those gorgeous and offbeat places in incredible India which is sure to leave a lasting impression in your heart for a long time. With its panoramic scenes and lush green surroundings makes Chail an idyllic retreat far from the hustle and bustle of a city life.
Geared up to put your steps on this Chail tourist attractions already?
I’ve visited Shimla earlier but missed Chail somehow. I shall plan to visit there anytime soon. Nice post.
Hope you would be able to make it next time 🙂 Enjoy !
The views from Kali Ka Tibba Temple look fantastic! Lovely photos 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I have actually never heard of this place before, but this place looks like a dream it is so beautiful. That temple is gorgeous! Your pictures are amazing, thank you for sharing! I will definitely have to go here.
Thanks a ton.. You must visit once and I am sure you will certainly love it .
Wow, I’ve never heard of these places! And I didn’t know that India is so green! Somehow Chail reminds me of Portugal. Would definitely consider going there one day. The palace looks grand!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂 Keep travelling !
never heard of this place, the view looks great and the restaurant in the river is a very nice idea. thanks for posting
I would come here just to see the world’s highest cricket ground and maybe hit a few balls also. Amazing view from above.
I have never heard of this place before. The views at that cricket ground are amazing. I think it would be great fun to play or watch a game there.
India is a fantastic country and I quite enjoy travelling through the country. The norther region is somewhere I would like to go. Need to check out Chail when I go.
Your pictures are amazing! I’ve heard of Chail because I’ve been to Simla and even lived in Punjab for a few years but I’ve never had the opportunity to visit. It’s one of those hill towns that are on my list, as a long weekend getaway from Delhi. There are so many, and such pretty ones. Kali Ka Tibba Temple looks amazing by the way! Thanks for this visual inspiration.
I have never really explored North India and it’s hill stations. This seems like a nice place – especially to sit on the lake to have a meal. And thanks for writing about this place, else I would have never known about it.
Thanks and Glad you liked it
Just the guide I was looking for! I really need to get to India.
Thanks 🙂
Such an incredibly beautiful place, love how varied India is with such amazing landscape and culture.
Thanks for stopping by admiring the beauty of india 🙂
I’ve actually never heard of Chail before, but it certainly looks amazing and obviously there are many inspiring things to do. I love the cricket place, that looks so unusual; and the restaurant in the river – super fun. Did you take the pictures of the wildlife at the sanctuary? How close did you get?! Amazing!
Yeah wildlife sanctuary pics are taken with zoom lens 🙂 Camera makes life so much easier 😂
The Royal palace hotel looks so beautiful! I can’t believe that it’s now an hotel mixing modern technology with the traditional furniture: how very cool!
It is quite awesome and the palace hotel is indeed beautiful
I love India’s wilderness such a contrast from the busy city life. Love Love Love the location the restaurant in the river.. something different. I have never actually heard of Chail before but I just looked it up on a map I have made a note so maybe we can visit when we close by at the end of this year!
Thanks for stopping by admiring the beauty of India 🙂
Beautiful photos. Chail is on my list from a long time and now I have plan it soon.
Thanks 🙂 Hope you get to go soon 🙂
I remember going to Shimla and Chail as a kid with my cousins and we used to really enjoy those pony rides. I don’t mind going back for a meal at the Lake Restaurant. Are you supposed to get your feet wet while you eat 🙂
Yes ! That’s fun to put your feet in water while eating snacks.. Isn’t that cool ? 😎
Playing a cricket game at those grounds would be so much fun! Beautiful photos; thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by
I love going anywhere that combines a cultural experience with beautiful views and nature/hiking particularly when it’s an area like this-surrounded by green and mountains. Looks like a phenomenally soothing and serene place.
Thanks 🙂 Glad you liked it
I haven’t heard of Chail before but it certainly looks like a perfect place to visit for a relaxing day trip or perhaps a weekend.. The landscape is gorgeous and I’d love to experience the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary… Dining at Lake Restaurant seems pretty unique too.. Truly a cool experience for outdoor-lovers!
It is indeed a wonderful experience.. Thanks for reading 🙂
I love reading about places off the beaten path, and Chail looks so peaceful and serene. The views from the temples are beautiful, not to mention the history of the place. Oh, and how cool is that restaurant on the lake! Thank you so much for sharing
Thanks .. Glad you liked it
Chail looks like a nice alternative to crowded Shinta. Very informative post. I enjoyed the factoids you wove through the narrative.
I meant Shimla. Sorry for the typo
What a beautiful eco-friendly unique destination to travel to! I’m always excited to hear about new out of the way places to visit around the world. Chail looks amazing. 🙂
Have always heard of Chail for the highest cricket ground, but its sanctuary also looks good. Beautiful bird image.
Wow! This is probably one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen. I am adding Chail to my bucket list. I would love to go hiking there!
Looks like a very charming place. I admit my ignorance, but the clean lines of the Kali temple is quite different from the style I’ve associated with the deity in my head ! Liking the clean lines of the architecture here!
Very nice! The scenery is spectacular. Is it possible to camp somewhere there? We would love to be out there in the wild and photograph some wildlife.
Chail looks definitely like a pristine alternative to Shimla. Shimla nowadays tends to get a bit too crowded especially during the peak season and weekends. Thankfully Chail seems to have retained its seclusion. Also, I can see that there are a lot of places to see and activities to experience that make Chail an ideal family getaway.
Chail has been appearing on my feed for sometime now. Time I check it out. Seems quite quaint and unspoilt and definitely beats the Shimla crowds. The Kali ka tibba sounds interesting and I bet my hubby will love the highest cricket grounds. Cheers
I am a big supporter of one day trips and it looks like Chail is perfect for any kind of travels, from family to luxury and outdoors and nature lovers.
Amazing! Beautiful pics